Includes bibliographical references (p. [87]) and index.

As the primary investigative agency of the federal government, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has the authority and responsibility to investigate all violations of federal law that are not exclusively assigned to another federal agency. The FBI is further vested by law and by Presidential directives with the primary role in carrying out investigations within the United States of threats to the national security. This includes the lead domestic role in investigating international terrorist threats to the United States, and in conducting counterintelligence activities to meet foreign entities' espionage and intelligence efforts directed against the United States. The FBI is also vested with important actions in collecting foreign intelligence as a member agency of the U.S. Intelligence Community. The FBI accordingly plays crucial roles in the enforcement of federal law and the proper administration of justice in the United States, in the protection of the national security, and in obtaining information needed by the United States for the conduct of its foreign affairs. These roles reflect the wide range of the FBI's current responsibilities and obligations, which require the FBI to be both an agency that effectively detects, investigates, and prevents crimes, and an agency that effectively protects the national security and collects intelligence.

Ever wonder what an FBI agent really does? Recently, the Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide has been plastered all over newspaper headlines. The guide “applies to all investigative activities and intelligence collection activities conducted by the FBI within the United States or outside the territories of all countries. This policy document does not apply to investigative and intelligence collection activities of the FBI in foreign countries; those are governed by the Attorney General’s Guidelines for Extraterritorial FBI Operations.” Now, anyone can get their hands on it! Inside curious readers will find the FBI guidelines for: Protection of First Amendment Rights The FBI’s Core Values Investigative Methods Electronic Surveillance Criminal Matters Outside FBI Jurisdiction And many others! The FBI is one of the most secretive government organizations in the country, but with this guide you can peek inside and view what only FBI agents know. This recent unclassified text reveals their ominous power—see first-hand how quickly your rights can be taken away by them. You will be shocked by what you read!

Memorandum distributed to heads of department components prior to issuing The Attorney General's Guidelines for Domestic FBI Operations.

FBI has guidelines for investigations and surveillance, with approval needed for certain methods.